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PROS

CONS

Learning curve for the controls can be challenging.

Shield regeneration controls feel awkward to execute.

VERDICT

Red Nova takes a risk by deviating from the standard twin-stick setup for survival shooters, but this polished product pulls it off almost perfectly, if not entirely intuitively; a great addition to the collection of any action fan.

Full Review

App Store Info

It's surprisingly rare to find a title on the App Store that seriously considers the limitations of using a small touch screen, but Red Nova by Colin Walsh is amongst that rare breed and after a short while you'll be taking on alien hordes like the hero you're meant to be.

The controls of your prototype fighter take some getting used to, especially if you've played one too many twin-stick shooters, and instead of simply zipping around and firing in all directions you'll have to contend with semi-realistic physics. Pushing your invisible virtual stick around will accelerate you in that direction, but smaller movements can spin you on your axis to allow you to aim independently of your current momentum. Pressing down in the firing area will obviously fire your weapons, however sliding your finger to the left will allow you to burn energy you've earned to use homing missiles and sliding up will activate your current power-up. Energy can also be used to replenish your shields, but be careful as you can only earn more energy by killing enemies or consuming power-ups, destroying them in the process.

There are no other modes to play, though even on the lowest of the three difficulty levels you'll quickly find yourself spinning out in to infinity, albeit with the knowledge that you've completed your job of distracting the alien fleet from your escaping command ship. The visuals are minimalistic, but the interface is clear and easy to follow, while small touches like an auto-zooming camera helps to keep the action in focus.

Red Nova may only be limited to the single gameplay mode, but its execution is almost flawless and perfectly suited for all iDevices. Casual audiences may find the learning curve to be a bit sharp, but it's still an easy game to recommend if you're after a simple, solid action title.

Description

Nominated for 7 awards in the 2010 Best App Ever Awards including Best App!

"It has an interesting premise, one of the smartest control schemes I've seen, Game Center integration for high score bragging rights, and above all else it's just a blast to play." - 4/5 TouchArcade

— — —

✪ Episode 1: First Contact ✪

While on a routine mission to test a number of prototype fighters destined to replace the Earth Colonial Fleet's aging Starhawk, the ECS Red Nova, your carrier, comes across an unknown alien fleet preparing to stage a sneak attack on the human colonies!

In order to give the Red Nova a chance to escape and warn the rest of the fleet you have volunteered to attack the aliens head-on. With a choice of any of the fighters on deck, you have to use your wits, your guns, and your ample supply of homing missiles to survive for as long as you can!

✪ Episode 2: Mercy ✪

The alien invasion of the human colonies has begun!

Reports are coming in that a massive alien mothership has begun an assault on the shipyards at Gamma Crucis, a mere 88 light years from Earth. It has disabled the fleet there and without your help the crew of those ships will meet an untimely end!

While the Red Nova occupies the mothership you must use your skill to pilot the Raven heavy transport against the fighter onslaught launched by the mothership. After repelling each wave of enemy ships you will have to pick up and transport the crew from their ships to the Red Nova.